Platanus occidentalis, American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis, commonly known as American sycamore, eastern sycamore, buttonball tree or buttonwood, is a tree native to the Eastern United States (missouribotanicalgarden.org). Platanus occidentalis is in the Platanaceae family, which contains the plane trees (wildflower.org). The other species in the family all display similar bark-peeling to Platanus occidentalis. It typically reaches 75-100 ft. in height, but in ideal conditions, it grows to be as tall as 150 ft. (missouribotanicalgarden.org). It is the largest diameter native hardwood in the Eastern United States. Diameter at breast height is 3-8 ft. on average, but the current record specimen displays a diameter of 11 ft., and early specimens were recorded to have upwards of 15-16 ft. diameters (Illinoiswildflowers.info). Platanus occidentalis grows in moderate to wet areas and can most often be found growing near bodies of water, such as creeks, ponds, or lakes (Illinoiswildflowers.info). The leaves of Platanus occidentalis are simple, alternate leaves that can reach 4-10 in. in length, and can often grow to be wider than they are long. In fall, the foliage typically turns yellow-brownish. Its yellowish to reddish flowers bloom in April, although they are small and not showy. It produces spherical fruit that persist until early winter, which is where it received the name buttonwood and buttonball tree. They are covered in fuzzy attachments known as achenes, which are slowly blown away and dispersed during fall (Illinoiswildflowers.info). The most desirable ornamental trait of Platanus occidentalis is its exfoliating, multi-colored bark. The light brown to tan colored bark seen at the base of the tree becomes more sparse further up the stem. When peeled back, the brown bark reveals white, smooth bark that is very attractive. This trait also extends to the branches, and when combined with the lightly colored foliage, a beautiful contrast is created that is very appealing. The wood is widely used for wooden products, including furniture, cabinets, barrels, and crates. The Native Americans would often hollow out sections of the trunk for canoes. (missouribotanicalgarden.org). Its sap can also be used as a drink, or boiled into syrup, although the sap/syrup ratio is higher than most other species and there are better options available (wildflower.org). Seeing as the tree is so large, it is best used in wide open spaces. When used correctly, Platanus occidentalis is not only very aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be an excellent shading tree. It also is known to attract birds, which could make it a nice potential shading option for a large garden. Besides its large size, the main issue with planting this tree in an urban area is the amount of shedding that occurs (missouribotanicalgarden.org). Between the leaves, bark, and many fruits, Platanus occidentalis can cause a fairly large mess, and could also be a safety hazard in extreme cases. Platanus occidentalis is also susceptible to sycamore anthracnose, which causes significant damages to the branches and foliage. Overall, Platanus occidentalis is a gorgeous tree that should definitely be used more as a shading option in larger parks. It is very underused, and due to its shedding, its beauty is often overlooked and that unfortunately affects its overall appearance in landscapes. 

Sources Cited: 

Illinoiswildflowers.info. 2020. American Sycamore (Platanus Occidentalis). [online] Available at: <https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/am_sycamore.htm> [Accessed 19 September 2020].

Missouribotanicalgarden.org. 2020. Platanus Occidentalis - Plant Finder. [online] Available at: <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a891> [Accessed 19 September 2020].

Wildflower.org. 2020. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University Of Texas At Austin. [online] Available at: <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ploc> [Accessed 19 September 2020].

The contrast between Platanus occidentalis foliage and bark.

Platanus occidentalis bark.

Large, light-colored foliage of Platanus occidentalis.

Fruit of Platanus occidentalis.